Thaindian News

Leh, Aug 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday visited flood-ravaged Leh in Jammu and Kashmir and announced a Rs.125 crore relief package for the victims. He also promised to visit the people again before the onset of winters to assess the situation.
He said that all houses destroyed in the Aug 6 devastation will be reconstructed within the next two-and-a-half months.

“Hospitals, schools, electricity connections and roads will be rebuilt and all rehabilitation works will be completed within the next two-and-a-half months and before the onset of winter. Funds will not be a problem,” said the prime minister, who made a day-long visit to Leh town in Jammu and Kashmir to review the relief and rehabilitation works.

The prime minister said the relief will be given from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

He said both the central and state governments will take all possible steps to help the families affected by the flash floods triggered by a cloudburst that killed at least 183 people, including five foreigners, while 200 people are still missing.

Manmohan Singh also announced a monitoring committee under the chairmanship of the state chief secretary to ensure effective implementation of various schemes for the people.

“Before the onset of winter, I will again visit you and inspect the houses that will be constructed for you,” he promised.

He had earlier announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs.100,00 to the kin of each of those killed and Rs.50,000 each to the seriously injured from the PM’s National Relief Fund.

In his Independence Day speech Sunday, the prime minister had condoled the deaths and said the government “will do everything” possible for the rehabilitation of the people.